Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California

Cabernet Sauvignon

750ML / 14% ABV

$205.00

Winemaker Notes

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a towering majestic wine. Rich, powerful and yet massively tannic, the 2013 possesses a stunning combination of super-ripe fruit, bright acids and plenty of supporting structure. In the early going, the Howell Mountain is a bit reticent, especially next to the Trailer, but after several hours, the vibrancy of the Howell Mountain bottling dazzles.

Critical Acclaim

JS98
James Suckling

The blue-fruit and floral character are phenomenal here with hints of lavender and violets in addition to walnuts. Full-bodied, yet tight and reserved with extremely polished fruit and chewy tannins. Love the austerity. Tension. Drink in 2020.

RP96
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a little closed at this stage, offering glimpses at fresh blackcurrants, blackberry pie and crushed black plums with nuances of cedar chest, underbrush, black truffles, charcuterie and espresso. Medium to full-bodied, it packs in the muscular fruit, with very firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with many expressive earth layers.
D97
Decanter

Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, rich earth, spice and liquorice are followed by a palate of striking persistence and structural amplitude. In 2013 this is typically large-scaled, fresh and built for the long haul, but Mike Dunn’s thoughtful changes to the estate’s barrel programme have resulted in more refined tannins. Brettanomyces issues that plagued the Dunn wines about 15 years ago also seem long gone, so nothing should compromise their lovely evolution in the cellar.

JD96
Jeb Dunnuck

More dense and powerful than the 2012, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is deep purple/plum-hued and has an incredible bouquet of darker, currant-like fruits as well as tobacco, chocolate, crushed stone, truffle, and earth. It needs plenty of air to show at its best and is full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, building tannins, serious mid-palate density, and a great finish. You could put this in a blind lineup of First Growth Bordeaux and it would hold its own. It’s superb today, with enough fat and richness to buffer its structure, but it has another 30 years of longevity as well.

WS91
Wine Spectator

A rustic, hearty style that’s not shy about extraction, density or oak, offering a che1wy mouthful of graphite- and lead pencil–shaded dark berry flavors. On the finish, this shows potential, delivering persistence despite the extracted tannins. Best from 2018 through 2030.

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